Tuesday, April 19, 2011

If your child has at least six of the following symptoms, then he or she possibly has the hyperactivity-impulsivity type of ADHD:

Hyperactivity

Not sitting still.

Not able to stay in seat.

Excessively running or climbing (or very restless)

Loud

"On the go" (think: Duracell bunny!)

Talking excessively (and at the wrong time, like when his teacher is talking!)

Impulsivity

Blurting out answers before questions have been finished

Trouble waiting one's turn (cannot stay in line)

Interrupting others (butting into conversations or games)

These are based on the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. A number of criteria seem repetitive or at least related. This is for informational purpose and not supposed to replace a formal evaluation with a child psychiatrist.

3. Not listening when spoken to (if he finds the squirrel running up and down your tree outside more captivating than you, and it's not your fault!)

4. Not following through or not finishing things (if you tell your child to go upstairs to his bedroom to get his dirty cups and he brings down his PSP!)

5. Not organized (if you are afraid to find out what's at the bottom of her backpack!)

6. Not wanting to do things that take a lot of concentration (usually everything that you really want him to do!)

7. Losing things (usually the things that you least want her to lose, like homework, books, or the whole backpack!)

8. Easily distracted

9. Forgetful

These are based on the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. A number of criteria seem repetitive or at least related. This is for informational purpose and not supposed to replace a formal evaluation with a child psychiatrist.